2027 ICD-10-CM Diagnosis Code K02Dental caries

ICD-10-CM Codes›K00–K95›K00-K14›K02

ICD-10-CM K02
CMSSource: CMS FY 2027 ICD-10-CM dataset · Effective Oct 1, 2026 – Sep 30, 2027

K02 is a non-billable ICD-10-CM category code for dental caries, so it cannot be submitted on claims. Use a more specific code from this category instead, such as K02.3, K02.51, K02.52, and K02.53.

Code Identity

ICD-10-CM Code
K02
Billable Status
No — Non-Billable Category
Code Describes
Dental caries
Short Description
Dental caries
Same as the full description in the CMS dataset.
Chapter
K00-K14
Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands

Code Classification

ChapterK00–K95Diseases of the digestive system
SectionK00-K14Diseases of oral cavity and salivary glands
CategoryK02Dental caries
This CodeK02Dental caries

Specific Coding for Dental cariesOverview

Non-specific codes like K02 require more characters. Use one of these billable codes instead:

  • Use K02.3 for Arrested dental caries

  • K02.5 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface

  • Use K02.51 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface limited to enamel

  • Use K02.52 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into dentin

  • Use K02.53 for Dental caries on pit and fissure surface penetrating into pulp

  • K02.6 for Dental caries on smooth surface

  • Use K02.61 for Dental caries on smooth surface limited to enamel

  • Use K02.62 for Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into dentin

  • Use K02.63 for Dental caries on smooth surface penetrating into pulp

  • Use K02.7 for Dental root caries

  • Use K02.9 for Dental caries, unspecified

Instructional NotesGuidance

Instructions from the official ICD-10-CM Tabular List that apply to K02: its own notes plus those printed at Chapter 11. A note printed at a category, block or chapter applies to every code under it.

Includes

Further defines, or gives examples of, the content of the category.

  • caries of dentine
  • dental cavities
  • early childhood caries
  • pre-eruptive caries
  • recurrent caries (dentino enamel junction) (enamel) (to the pulp)
  • tooth decay

Excludes2

Not included here: the excluded condition is not part of this code, but a patient may have both, so both codes may be reported.

From Chapter 11 (K00-K95) Diseases of the digestive system applies to 863 codes
  • certain conditions originating in the perinatal period (P04-P96)
  • certain infectious and parasitic diseases (A00-B99)
  • complications of pregnancy, childbirth and the puerperium (O00-O9A)
  • congenital malformations, deformations and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99)
  • endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (E00-E88)
  • injury, poisoning and certain other consequences of external causes (S00-T88)
  • neoplasms (C00-D49)
  • symptoms, signs and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings, not elsewhere classified (R00-R94)

Source: CMS ICD-10-CM Tabular List. How to read instructional notes.

Referenced in Other NotesGuidance

Instructional notes printed at other codes that name K02, its category, or a range that includes it.

Excludes2 1

These codes carry an Excludes2 note naming K02: its condition is not part of those codes, and both may be reported when the patient has both.

  • K03 Other diseases of hard tissues of teeth
    dental caries (K02.-)

Clinical InformationClinical

  • Dental Caries

    localized destruction of the tooth surface initiated by decalcification of the enamel followed by enzymatic lysis of organic structures and leading to cavity formation. if left unchecked, the cavity may penetrate the enamel and dentin and reach the pulp.

Patient EducationClinical

Tooth Decay

Tooth decay is damage to a tooth's surface, or enamel. It happens when bacteria in your mouth make acids that attack the enamel. Tooth decay can lead to cavities (dental caries), which are holes in your teeth. If tooth decay is not treated, it can cause pain, infection, and even tooth loss.

The full article covers:

  • What is tooth decay?
  • What causes tooth decay?
  • Who is at risk for tooth decay?
  • What are the symptoms of tooth decay and cavities?
  • How are tooth decay and cavities diagnosed?
  • What are the treatments for tooth decay and cavities?
  • Can tooth decay be prevented?

Read the full article at MedlinePlus

Courtesy of MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.

Code HistoryHistory

FY 2016AddedAdded to the ICD-10-CM code setEffective October 1, 2015, the first year of ICD-10-CM.
FY 2017–2026No changes
FY 2027CurrentCurrent code set, no changesEffective October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2027.

Questions About K02Overview

What is the ICD-10 code for dental caries?

K02 is the ICD-10-CM category for dental caries, but it is a non-billable header: claims need a more specific code from this category, listed on this page.

Is K02 (Dental caries) a billable code?

No. This is a category header that groups the codes for dental caries, and headers cannot be submitted on claims. Claims for dental caries need a more specific code from this category, such as K02.3, K02.51, and K02.52.